The UEFA Champions League semi-final between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Arsenal unfolded on May 7, 2025, at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris. With a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg, PSG aimed to secure their spot in the final, while Arsenal sought to overturn the deficit and make a historic comeback.
The match kicked off at 9:00 PM CET, and the atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, hoping for a thrilling encounter. PSG, under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, fielded a strong lineup, including Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal and Ousmane Dembélé, who had scored the only goal in the first leg, starting on the bench to avoid further risk of injury.
Arsenal's Mikel Arteta made a crucial tactical adjustment, with Thomas Partey returning from suspension. He joined Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in midfield, while Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli led the attack. The Gunners were determined to make a statement after their first leg disappointment.
As the match commenced, Arsenal immediately asserted their dominance, pushing high and creating several early chances. Declan Rice had a golden opportunity in the 3rd minute, heading just wide of the post after a well-placed cross. The Gunners continued to press, with Martinelli forcing a brilliant save from Donnarumma just minutes later.
Despite Arsenal's early pressure, PSG struck first. In the 27th minute, Fabian Ruiz scored a stunning volley from outside the box, putting PSG ahead 1-0 on the night and extending their aggregate lead to 2-0. The goal came after a well-worked free-kick situation that Arsenal failed to clear effectively. Ruiz's strike took a deflection off William Saliba, leaving goalkeeper David Raya with no chance.
Arsenal had their chances but failed to convert. Kvaratskhelia hit the post in the 17th minute, a near miss that could have changed the momentum of the match. The Gunners continued to dominate possession but struggled to find the back of the net. Donnarumma's goalkeeping was pivotal, as he made numerous saves to keep Arsenal at bay.
As the first half progressed, Arsenal maintained their aggressive approach, but PSG's defense held firm. The half ended with PSG leading 1-0, and Arsenal faced an uphill battle in the second half.
The second half saw Arsenal ramp up their efforts in search of an equalizer. They created several more chances, with Rice and Ødegaard both coming close. However, PSG's defense, led by Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi, managed to thwart their advances. The tension in the stadium was palpable as the minutes ticked away.
In the 60th minute, Arsenal's hopes were dealt a blow when Declan Rice received a yellow card for a late tackle on Kvaratskhelia, further complicating their comeback efforts. Meanwhile, PSG looked to counter, with their own chances coming through the pace of Barcola and the creativity of Vitinha.
As the match entered its final stages, Arsenal pushed forward with desperation, leaving gaps at the back. PSG capitalized on this, creating several counter-attacking opportunities. However, they were unable to extend their lead, thanks to Raya's heroics in goal.
The final whistle blew with the score at 1-0, confirming a 2-0 aggregate victory for PSG. The French champions celebrated their progression to the Champions League final, where they would face Inter Milan on May 31, 2025. For Arsenal, it was a disappointing exit, marking yet another missed opportunity to reach the final.
After the match, Mikel Arteta reflected on the performance, stating, "We had our chances and played well, but we need to be more clinical in front of goal. This experience will help us grow as a team moving forward." Meanwhile, Luis Enrique praised his team's resilience, emphasizing the importance of their defensive effort and the quality of Ruiz's goal.
With PSG now looking forward to their first Champions League final since 2020, the focus shifts to whether they can finally secure the coveted trophy. For Arsenal, the quest for European glory continues, as they aim to learn from this setback and improve in future campaigns.
